ECA Study Guide — Exam Prep

Parallel Parking Technique

Select a large-enough space, check mirrors, signal, and stop next to the vehicle ahead of the space, leaving about two feet between vehicles. Look behind over both shoulders, then back up slowly. When your front wheels are opposite the back bumper of the vehicle ahead, turn the wheel the other way while continuing to back up, then bring your wheels straight and pull forward. Your final position must have your wheels no more than one foot (30 cm) from the curb. Do not open the road-side door if it would interfere with bicyclists or traffic.

Parking on a Hill

Set the parking brake, put the transmission in "Park" (or 1st gear for manual transmission), and turn your wheels toward the curb or side of the road so the vehicle cannot roll into traffic.

Pulling Out & Entering Traffic

To pull out of a parallel parking space: make sure your wheels are straight, back up toward the vehicle behind you, and turn your wheels away from the curb. Use a six-step head-check and mirror sequence (right shoulder, interior mirror, signal, side mirrors, left shoulder, left shoulder again) before merging into traffic.

Parking, Standing & Stopping — Definitions

"Parking" is a vehicle stopped (occupied or not) other than temporarily to load/unload. "Standing" is similar but only for receiving/discharging passengers. "Stopping" is literally bringing the vehicle to a stop, even temporarily.

NO PARKING sign: you may make a temporary stop to load/unload merchandise or passengers.
NO STANDING sign: you may only make a temporary stop to load/unload passengers — the driver cannot exit the vehicle.
NO STOPPING sign: you may stop only to obey a traffic sign/signal/officer or to prevent conflicts with other vehicles.

Statewide Distance Rules — Where You Cannot Park, Stand, or Stop

These rules apply even without posted signs.

Within 15 feet (5 m) of a fire hydrant, unless a licensed driver stays in the vehicle to move it in an emergency.
On the road side of a parked vehicle ("double parking"); on a sidewalk or in a crosswalk; in an intersection (unless permitted); on railroad tracks; on a bridge or in a tunnel.
Within 30 feet (10 m) of a pedestrian safety area, unless another distance is marked.
Within 20 feet (6 m) of a crosswalk at an intersection.
Within 30 feet (10 m) of a traffic light, STOP sign, or YIELD sign.
Within 20 feet (6 m) of a fire station driveway, or within 75 feet (23 m) on the opposite side of the road.
Within 50 feet (15 m) of a railroad crossing.
In front of a driveway, or along a curb cut/lowered for sidewalk access.

Reserved Parking for People with Disabilities